In the case of every problem man wants to
search its root and is not content until his search succeeds.
Where and in what does the root of violence lie? Geneticists will
locate it in the genes inherited from one's forefathers. It would
mean that man is helpless in the matter since he cannot control
his heredity. Psychologists trace violence to one of the basic
Instincts. Environmental scientists blame it on the general
atmosphere or circumstances surrounding a human being since his
childhood. Some philosophers attribute it to karmas.

Thus we are confronted with a plethora of views
on the subject. If we pause and think for a moment we find that
each one of them is partial or one-sided, though none of them can
be termed wholly untrue. We must take a holistic view. But even
this might not provide the ultimate solution. More serious
thinking is needed. Each of the theories based on genes, prime
instincts, environment and karmas has a more or less
deterministic ring about it, which leaves one both, pessimistic
and helpless in the face of the Inevitable. However, the doctrine
of karma also suggests the possibility of changing the karmas.
Then why can't other factors be changed ? The genes, the
instincts, the environment-all can be changed. The possibility of
change kindles new hope in the heart. After all, we can change;
violence can change.

The key to change is the development of
non-violence. Both violence and non-violence inhere in us. Our
mind also works in two ways: one dictates anger; the other
counsels patience, puts the brakes on anger. Both the instigating
and the restraining tendencies are there. Good and evil are both
present in us. The real question is which of the two we shall
develop. Which one shall we awaken and which one shall we put to
sleep ?

It is here that meditation has its role.
Through it we can awaken non-violence and put violence to sleep.
It is then a question of proper awakening. Unfortunately we are
fully conscious of things material but totally unconscious of our
selves. Meditation makes us conscious of our selves. It develops
self-awareness. Once self-awareness has dawned, non-violence
develops.

We talked earlier of genes, instincts,
environment and karmas. Of these four, environment or the
general atmosphere has an immediate impact on us and so deserves
our attention first. In this connection it is noteworthy that
right from childhood man is exposed to violence, crime and
immorality through the mass media-radio, television, cinema and
newspapers. No wonder crime and violence permeate modern society
since the whole atmosphere is charged with them and nothing or
very little is heard of non-violence in general. The worse the
crime the bolder the banner headlines in newspapers. What could
be a better source of free publicity ? A radical change of policy
is needed to reverse the situation. The general atmosphere must
improve minimizing people's exposure to undesirable activities.
Sex, greed, fear, suspicion and anger-they all breed violence.

However, while trying to improve the general
tone of the media, it will have to be remembered that the root
cause of violence can be removed only through spirituality or a
knowledge of the self.

In non-violence we veritably have the
philosopher's stone that can change all dross into gold. It is
said that genes and instincts cannot be changed but karmas
can certainly be, else there will be no relevance of penance,
austerity and the like. The need to change remains crucial. Both
the root and the branches have to be changed. And as stated
earlier, the most important and powerful means of bringing about
complete change is meditation. It alone has the power to develop
non-violence, self-realization and the sense of unity and
equality of all sentients.